Do you pay council tax on inherited properties?
Yes, but not always immediately. If the inherited home is empty, it may be exempt from council tax during probate and for a short time after. The timing and amount depend on whether the property is occupied, when probate is granted, and who now owns it.
Council tax is not payable immediately on an empty inherited property. A temporary exemption usually applies until probate is granted, with a further exemption period afterwards.
- No council tax is due while the property is empty and probate is pending.
- Once probate is granted, you may get up to six months of further exemption.
- The exemption ends if the property is sold, transferred, or someone moves in.
- After that, full council tax applies — and premiums may be added if it remains empty long term.
- Always check with your local council, as rules and discounts may vary.
Do I need to pay council tax on an inherited property that’s empty?
If you inherit a home that is unoccupied, you usually won’t need to pay council tax on it immediately. This is because the property qualifies for a Class F exemption, which applies:
- While the home is unoccupied and probate has not yet been granted.
For up to six months after probate is granted, as long as the property is still unoccupied and in the name of the deceased.
Once the exemption ends or the property is sold, occupied, or transferred to someone else, council tax becomes payable from that date.
What is the Class F exemption?
Class F is a temporary council tax exemption that applies to properties left empty after the owner has died. To qualify:
- The deceased must have been the owner and lived in the property.
- The property must be unfurnished and unoccupied.
- Probate or letters of administration must not yet have been granted, or the six-month post-probate window must not have expired.
The exemption ends earlier if:
- The property is sold.
- Someone moves in.
- Ownership is transferred to a beneficiary or third party.
After that, full council tax applies unless a discount or other exemption is granted by the council.
What if the property is still empty after six months?
If the property remains unsold or unoccupied more than six months after probate is granted, you’ll normally be liable for full council tax. Some councils may offer empty property discounts, but these are not guaranteed and vary by area.
Councils may also apply an empty homes premium if the property is still empty after a year:
- After 1 year: up to 100% premium (double council tax).
- After 5 years: up to 200% premium.
- After 10 years: up to 300% premium.
Why this matters for sellers
It can take longer than 6 months to sell a property on the open market in the UK and that’s once the home is listed. This doesn’t include delays due to probate, clearing the property, repairs, choosing an estate agent, or waiting for a buyer’s mortgage and legal processes.
If your property stays empty during that time, you could face:
- Full council tax bills once the exemption period ends.
- Increasing premiums for long-term vacant homes.
- Ongoing costs such as insurance, security, and utilities.
Save time and hassle by selling your home with us
Get a guaranteed cash offer on any property in England and Wales. All you need to do to get started is enter your address below.
What if someone moves into the inherited property?
If you or another beneficiary starts living in the home, you become liable for standard council tax. You may be eligible for a 25% discount if you live alone, or other reductions depending on your circumstances.
What if the inherited home is rented out?
As soon as a tenancy agreement begins, the tenant usually becomes responsible for paying council tax. Until then, the estate or owner remains liable — even if the home is empty.
What about other bills and services?
In addition to council tax, you may still be responsible for other property-related costs during the probate process:
- Gas and electricity: Supply remains active unless cancelled. If the home is empty, switching to a holding tariff or void owner account may reduce costs.
- Water and sewage: Charges often continue unless you inform the supplier. Some companies offer reduced rates for unoccupied homes.
- Insurance: Standard home insurance may not cover empty properties. You may need unoccupied property cover to protect against damage or theft.
- Broadband and TV: Cancel or suspend any services not in use to avoid unnecessary charges.
Keeping these accounts up to date helps avoid delays, risk and unnecessary expenses.
Summary of council tax rules for inherited property
Selling an inherited property? We’ll help you avoid delays and costs
At Habello, we help sellers of inherited property avoid common problems including long waits and unexpected bills. We buy homes quickly, with no agents or uncertainty, and full legal support included.
- Cash offers in 24-72 hours.
- No estate agents or viewings.
- Completion in as little as 7 days.
- We handle the legal paperwork, including probate sales.
Property owners are choosing Habello for a faster, easier and less stressful way to sell
Sell your home quickly for cash by accepting an offer just below market value. See how we compare to your other options by using the calculator below.
